The Acura ILX luxury sports sedan has earned the 2014 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value of the Year Award in the Premium Compact Passenger Car category. The IntelliChoice award is based on analysis of every new model sold in the United States and identifies those that have low total ownership costs and lower than expected costs over time when compared to similar models.

“With great performance, premium features and a luxurious interior, ILX is the very definition of value on a luxury scale,” said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. “This Overall Best Value award demonstrates customers can step into luxury through this great gateway to the Acura lineup of luxury vehicles.”

Acura today unveiled three customized sedans at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, including the Acura RLX VIP Sedan, created by Evasive Motorsports, the RLX Urban Luxury Sedan and Street Performance ILX, both created by MAD Industries.

“How better to amp up the inherent luxury, excitement and prestige of the Acura Brand than to partner with the enthusiast crowd and create these custom RLX and ILX sedans,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of Auto Operations. “SEMA is where we go to add that little bit of spice that brings out the true performance character in our Acura lineup.”

Acura engaged MAD Industries and Evasive Motorsports, both located in Southern California, to use Acura sedans as the platform to create even more exciting and dynamic custom vehicles.

A second round of ads for 2014 models have recently been uploaded by Acura USA. Both the ILX and RDX ads feature some neat cinematography and digital effects, but it’s the clever plot of the TL’s “Best Kept Secret” that comes out on top for me.

Acura will introduce the ILX 2.0L to the Chinese market this fall, complementing the 1.5L hybrid which is the only ILX model currently being offered. Check out a few high quality photos of the new China-spec ILX 2.0L in the gallery above.

The 2014 Acura ILX luxury sports sedan goes on sale tomorrow with a host of new standard features, further strengthening the gateway vehicle to the Acura brand. Introduced as an all-new model for the 2013 model year, the 2014 Acura ILX offers increased value on a luxury scale with eight new standard features to enhance its curb appeal, interior comfort and overall driving enjoyment.

The ILX is the only luxury model on the top ten list of Generation Y car shoppers according to J.D. Power and Associates, and the 2014 ILX gets upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, while the interior receives new leather seating surfaces and leatherette door liners, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera. The ride experience is further enhanced by a new audio-system subwoofer and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that are standard features on the 2014 ILX, which starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price* (MSRP) of $26,900, an increase of just $1,000.

Two advanced powertrain choices are available for 2014 ILX, with a standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. Paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, it has an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 24/35/28 mpg. For a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission matched to a 2.4-liter engine generating 201 horsepower, and earning an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 22/31/25 mpg. Information on the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid will be announced at a later date.

For a brand that often takes pride in the available tech in its models, many were puzzled when they learned Acura did not offer a navigation package in the sportier, 2.4-liter 6-speed manual ILX. That changes for the 2014 model year ILX, as Acura Canada has just released details on the new Dynamic ILX.

Previously, Acura Canada’s Dynamic package was the equivalent of the ILX 6-Speed Manual with Premium Package, but for 2014 it adds Acura Navigation, HomeLink, and Acura/ELS SurroundSound. Or if you want to think of it another way, the ILX Tech gets offered with a 2.4-litre and 6-speed manual:

“For driving enthusiasts seeking luxury, ILX Dynamic shifts expectations. We’ve taken the ILX Tech and made it a high performance thrill thanks to a 2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. torque and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Metal racing pedals round out the package and remind you of the perfect balance of luxury and performance in the ILX Dynamic.”

No word yet on other changes, but we would hope the US will also follow suit with this package.